Recent research shows that an unborn child strives to absorb as many nutrients as possible from the mother during pregnancy. Unique “greedy genes” from the father assist in this process. These genes compel the fetus to manipulate the mother’s metabolism to maximize nutrient intake.
Everything Under Control
A pregnant woman’s body must nourish the unborn child while also ensuring her own well-being. However, if the fetus grows too large, it can complicate delivery. That’s why the mother’s genes typically limit the embryo’s growth.
However, as Dr. Miguel Constancia points out, the father’s genes are “greedy” and “selfish.” They tend to manipulate maternal resources in favor of the fetus, allowing it to grow larger and more viable. This fascinating discovery sheds light on how genes inherited from the father in the placenta (a temporary organ that develops inside a woman during pregnancy to nourish the fetus) remotely control the mother’s metabolism.
The Mechanism of the Father’s “Greedy” Gene
To understand the significance of this newly discovered mechanism, researchers conducted an intriguing experiment. They removed the Igf2 gene from the placentas of pregnant mice, a gene essential for the proper growth and development of fetal tissues.
The absence of this gene negatively impacted the release of insulin-like growth factor protein, which is responsible for glucose production. Additionally, it affected hormones that regulate insulin release from the pancreas and influence liver activity. This single gene in the placenta had the power to alter the mother’s metabolism.
Researchers assert that a deficiency of the Igf2 gene can lead to either overgrowth or undergrowth in children. Mice born to mothers with placentas lacking the Igf2 gene exhibited symptoms of diabetes and suffered from obesity as they grew.
These findings highlight the vital role of the Igf2 gene in the distribution of nutrients from mother to fetus. Overall, this distribution mechanism plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal health for offspring.
On the Path to Further Discoveries
The interaction between mother and offspring in mammals involves both cooperation and conflict. The fetus has developed ways to manipulate maternal physiology to enhance nutrient transfer through the placenta. However, maternal genes regulate this process, distributing nutrients to the fetus in a limited manner. The mechanisms involved remain largely unclear.
So far, research indicates that the Igf2 gene controls protein synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis. Its loss may also have additional long-term effects on the metabolism of descendants in adulthood.
As noted by Interesting Engineering, the research team is focused on continuing their studies. They are currently investigating how Igf2 affects placental hormones and how changes in the chemical composition of these hormones could benefit the health of both mother and fetus.